Minor blast near Israeli Embassy in Delhi, no injuries reported

New Delhi:

A minor improvised explosive device (IED) blast took place near the Israeli Embassy in the heart of Lutyens' Delhi on Friday evening.

Some cars were damaged in the blast which occurred at a very high-security zone, however, no injuries were reported.

Delhi Police Additional PRO Anil Mittal said initial impressions suggest that it could be a mischievous attempt to create a sensation.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to his Israeli counterpart Gabi Ashkenazi and assured him of "fullest protection" to diplomats and the mission.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has been in touch with the Delhi Police top brass and is constantly monitoring the situation.

Following the blast, Delhi Police Commissioner S N Shrivastava visited the site in the evening and took stock of the situation.

The CISF which guards civil airports, vital nuclear and aerospace installations, Delhi Metro and central government buildings has put on alert all its units across the country after the blast, official sources said.

The paramilitary force has directed its personnel to enhance vigil at the 63 civil airports and the Delhi Metro under its cover, besides vital installations in the nuclear and aerospace domain.

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) have been deployed in major government offices after the incident and they have been instructed to maintain high level of security.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a bomb was planted in a flower pot on the median on APJ Abdul Kalam Road outside the embassy, sources said.

The bomb disposal squad of the Delhi Police carried our searches at the blast site to find out if there were more explosives in the area.

Sources said that some ball bearings used in making bomb were recovered near the blast site which is around 150 metres away from the Israeli Embassy.

Samples of dust and grass from nearby area have been taken for further investigation. (PTI)